Welcome

Note to the Teacher

The key emphasis for the lesson this week (from Micah 5 and Luke 1) is that God’s birth in Jesus was predicted to be in Bethlehem, and Mary was chosen to be the mother of this child, to welcome God into the world in a new way. The Ice Breaker invites youth to share their favorite Christmas song. The Discussion encourages students to reflect on Luke and what it may have felt like to be Mary. The Activity allows youth to write their own song.

Times are based on a 50-minute lesson period but can be adjusted as is necessary.

Time

Description of Activity

10 min

1. Ice Breaker

Tell students that they are going to be sharing their favorite Christmas songs with each other without saying the titles out loud. Once each student has decided on a favorite song, go around and invite each one to hum or whistle the song. The rest of the class should guess the title. After each one has guessed, have the student answer why the song is their favorite.

20 min

2. Read Scripture & Discuss

Our Scripture reading today will focus upon Micah 5 and Luke, with a special focus on Luke and the story of Mary and her song.

Read Micah 5:2

What prophecy is offered in this verse?

Hundreds of years before Christ was born this prophecy was shared. What does it say about God’s plan for the world?

Read Luke 1:39-55 (break into several sections with different readers if helpful)

3. Discussion

Elizabeth and Mary were related, Elizabeth would be the mother of John the Baptist and Mary the mother of Jesus – how old have you heard that Mary may have been at the time of Jesus’ birth? (likely a teenager, possibly a young teenager)

To the girls of the group – how would a young girl of today feel if God chose her to be pregnant with the Savior of the World?

What challenges do you think Mary faced as a pregnant young girl in her time?

Despite many challenges, in verses 46-55 Mary offers a song, called the “Magnificat” because the opening word in Latin is Magnificat which translates to “glorifies.” What does Mary share in this song?

How is Mary feeling in verses 47 and 48? (she rejoices, feels blessed)